Portable headset

ABSTRACT

Arrangements described herein relate to a headset. The headset includes a device. The device includes a transducer configured to interact with a head of a subject. The headset further includes a manually-operated registration system configured to delineate a workspace of the transducer at the head of the subject.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.62/550,326, filed on Aug. 25, 2017, incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND

For devices utilizing a headset whose performance is optimized byremaining stable with respect to a user's head (e.g., optical devices,surgical devices, scanning devices, medical diagnostic devices,automated Transcranial Doppler devices, and so on), alignment of thedevice with respect to particular areas of a patient's head duringoperation is important for accurate readings by the device. In addition,in certain scenarios, it is difficult to implement robust versions of aheadset including a device for use on a subject (e.g., in emergencysituations, in a military environment such as a war zone, in the fieldaway from a hospital or ambulance, and so on). As such, it is desirablethat a device attached to a headset remains fixed at an optimal positionwith respect to areas of a user's head during operation. It is alsodesirable that the headset including the device is portable andfacilitates optimal use thereof for quick and easy implementation in thefield.

SUMMARY

According to various arrangements, provided is a headset device that isportable and that allows for efficient and effective implementation byan administrator of the headset device.

According to various arrangements, there is provided a headset. Theheadset includes a device including a transducer configured to interactwith a head of a subject. The headset further includes amanually-operated registration system configured to delineate aworkspace of the transducer at the head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the headset further includes a housing encasing atleast a portion of the device, wherein the registration system islocated at the housing of the device.

In some arrangements, the registration system includes a registrationwindow configured to be aligned with one or more anatomical features ofthe head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the registration window includes a transparentnarrow slot penetrating through the housing such that the head of thesubject is visible through the registration window.

In some arrangements, the registration window includes one or moreindicators configured to be aligned with the one or more anatomicalfeatures of the head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the one or more indicators include a line spanningthe length of the registration window.

In some arrangements, the registration system further includes one ormore registration markers at the registration window, the one or moreregistration markers configured to be slidably positioned along theregistration window to be aligned with corresponding one or moreanatomical landmarks of the head of the subject.

In some arrangements, positions of the one or more registration markersin the registration window delineate one or more correspondingboundaries of the workspace of the transducer at the head of thesubject.

In some arrangements, the one or more registration markers include afirst registration marker at a first position along the registrationwindow and a second registration marker at a second position along theregistration window such that the first and second positions delineatethe workspace of the transducer at the head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the first position is aligned with an eye of thesubject and the second position is aligned with an ear of the subject.

In some arrangements, the device includes a linear encoder configured toconvert positions of the registration window and the one or moreregistration markers into electrical signals to delineate the workspaceof the transducer at the head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the headset further includes a track, wherein thehousing is coupled to the track and configured to slide along the trackwith respect to the head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the track is located adjacent the head of thesubject so that the housing is configured to slide along a side of thehead of the subject.

In some arrangements, the housing is configured to slide along the trackafter the registration window is aligned with the one or more anatomicalfeatures of the head of the subject to position the transducer in theworkspace at the head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the housing is configured to slide along the trackfor a predetermined distance.

In some arrangements, the predetermined distance is in a range fromabout 0.5 inches to about 2.5 inches.

In some arrangements, the headset further includes a tab, whereinresponsive to actuation of the tab, the housing is configured to slidealong the track.

In some arrangements, the headset further includes a tilt hinge, whereinthe housing is configured to rotate about the tilt hinge with respect tothe head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the tilt hinge is located adjacent the head of thesubject so that the housing is configured to rotate along a side of thehead of the subject.

In some arrangements, the headset further includes a tab, whereinresponsive to actuation of the tab, the housing is configured to rotateabout the tilt hinge.

In some arrangements, the headset further includes a body configured toreceive the head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the device and the registration system areattached to the body.

In some arrangements, the device is located at an edge of the body andpositioned to be adjacent a side of the received head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the device is connected to the registrationsystem.

In some arrangements, the transducer is configured to collect data fromthe head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the data includes blood flow characteristics ofthe subject.

In some arrangements, the transducer is configured to transmit andreceive ultrasound energy waves with respect to the head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the device further includes robotics configured tomove the transducer with respect to the head of the subject.

In some arrangements, the registration system controls the robotics torestrain the transducer to within the workspace at the head of thesubject.

According to various arrangements, there is provided a method ofproviding a headset. The method includes providing a device including atransducer configured to interact with a head of a subject. The methodfurther includes providing a manually-operated registration systemconfigured to delineate a workspace of the transducer at the head of thesubject.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Features and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent fromthe following description and the accompanying example arrangementsshown in the drawings, which are briefly described below.

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C, FIG. 1D, FIG. 1E, FIG. 1F, and FIG. 1Gillustrate various views of a portable headset according to variousarrangements.

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D illustrate various views of theportable headset shown in FIGS. 1A-1G with a human head positionedtherein according to various arrangements.

FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, FIG. 3D, FIG. 3E, and FIG. 3F illustratestages of operation of the portable headset shown in FIGS. 1A-1Gaccording to various arrangements.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate a closed view and an open view,respectively, of a portable headset according to various arrangements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of various configurations and isnot intended to represent the only configurations in which the conceptsdescribed herein may be practiced. The detailed description includesspecific details for providing a thorough understanding of variousconcepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatthese concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In someinstances, well-known structures and components are shown in blockdiagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

In the following description of various arrangements, reference is madeto the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and in which areshown, by way of illustration, specific arrangements in which thearrangements may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherarrangements may be utilized, and structural changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the various arrangements disclosed in thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C, FIG. 1D, FIG. 1E, FIG. 1F, and FIG. 1Gillustrate various views of a portable headset 100 according to variousarrangements. In some arrangements, the portable headset 100 can bestored and carried in a folded (or compact or stored or stowed) state(e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 1F) and implemented in a deployedor open state (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1B, 1D, 1E, and 1G).

In some arrangements, the portable headset 100 includes a device 102. Insome arrangements, the device 102 is modular and can be attached anddetached from the portable headset 100. In some arrangements, the device102 is for use with respect to a head of a user (e.g., a subject, apatient, and the like). Examples of the device 102 include but are notlimited to, an ocular monitoring system, a breathing device, a devicefor monitoring neurological activity, a surgical device, a device formonitoring radioactive traces, a Transcranial Doppler (TCD) device, orany other device suitable for use with the portable headset 100. Inother arrangements, the device 102 includes a non-medical device for usewith respect to a user's head.

In some arrangements, the device 102 includes a transducer or probe 136and robotics for controlling the probe 136. The probe 136 is configuredto collect data (e.g., physiological data, biometric data, imaging data,and the like) of a subject. For example, the robotics are configured totranslate the probe 136 along a surface of a head and move the probe 136towards and away from the head. In some arrangements, an end of theprobe 136 interfaces with the robotics, and the robotics includecomponents, such as, but not limited to, a motor assembly, electronics,and the like for controlling the probe 136 (e.g., control z-axispressure, normal alignment, or the like of the probe 136). In thatregard, the robotics are configured to align the probe 136 with respectto the head. In some arrangements, the robotics are housed within ahousing of the device 102, while the probe 136 is exposed from thehousing to be able to interact with a head of a subject.

In other words, the robotics are configured to translate the probe 136along a surface of the head and to move the probe 136 with respect to(e.g., toward and away from) the head along various axes in theCartesian, spherical, and rotational coordinate systems. For example,the robotics can include a multiple degree-of-freedom (DOF) TCDtransducer positioning system with motion planning. In somearrangements, the robotics are capable of supporting two, three, four,five, or six DOF movements of the probe 136 with respect to the head. Insome instances, the robotics can translate in X and Y axes (e.g., alonga surface of the head) to locate a temporal window region, and in Z-axiswith both force and position feedback control to both position andmaintain the appropriate force against the skull/skin to maximize signalquality by maintaining appropriate contact force. Two angular DOF (e.g.,pan and tilt) may be used to maximize normal insonation of blood vesselsto maximize velocity signals.

In some arrangements, an end of the probe 136 is operatively coupled toor otherwise interfaces with the robotics. The robotics includecomponents, such as but not limited to a motor assembly and the like forcontrolling the positioning of the probe 136 (e.g., controlling Z-axispressure, controlling a position on a plane defined by the X-axis andthe Y-axis, normal alignment, or the like of the probe 136). In somearrangements, the registration of the probe 136 against the head isaccomplished using the robotics to properly position and align the probe136 in the manner described.

In some arrangements, the probe 136 includes a first end and a secondend that is opposite to the first end. In some arrangements, the firstend includes a concave surface that is configured to be adjacent to orcontact a scanning surface (e.g., a head of a subject). The concavesurface is configured with a particular pitch to focus generated energytowards the scanning surface. In some arrangements, the device 102 is aTCD apparatus such that the first end of the probe 136 is configured tobe adjacent to or contact and align along a human head (e.g., a side ofthe human head), and the first end of the probe 136 is configured toprovide ultrasound wave emissions from the first end and directed intothe human head (e.g., towards the brain). In other arrangements, theprobe 136 is configured to emit other types of waves during operation,such as, but not limited to, infrared, x-rays, or the like.

In some arrangements, the second end of the probe 136 is coupled to therobotics. In some arrangements, the second end of the probe 136 includesa threaded section along a portion of the body of the probe 136, and thesecond end is configured to be secured at the robotics via the threads(e.g., by being screwed into the robotics). In other arrangements, theprobe 136 is secured at the robotics by any other suitable connectingmeans, such as, but not limited to, welding, adhesive, one or more hooksand latches, one or more separate screws, press fittings, or the like.

In other arrangements, the probe 136 is attached within the portableheadset 100 without any robotics, such that the probe 136 is configuredto be manually operated by an operator while the portable headset 100 ispositioned on a user's head. For example, a user's head can be placed inthe portable headset 100 and an operator can manually shift and orientthe probe 136 while the probe 136 is activated.

Similar and further disclosure regarding probe systems that can be usedin conjunction with the headsets described herein can be found innon-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/399,648, titled ROBOTICSYSTEMS FOR CONTROL OF AN ULTRASONIC PROBE, and filed on January 5,2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some arrangements, the device 102 includes other medical andnon-medical devices that are used and stabilized with respect to auser's head. For example, in some arrangements, the device 102 includesan ocular device that is optimized by maintaining positioning andalignment with a user's eyes (e.g., if the ocular device is shifted withrespect to a user's eyes, performance of the ocular device may decline).In some arrangements, the ocular device is attached at the portableheadset 100 so as to cover the eyes of a patient. As an example of anon-medical device use with respect to the portable headset 100, in somearrangements, the portable headset 100 can be used in connection withthe ocular device that is a virtual reality device configured to providea virtual experience to the user such that any disturbance of thepositioning of the ocular device in front of the user's eyes may cause adegradation in the user's virtual experience.

In some arrangements, the ocular device is a medical device designed totrack ocular behavior of a subject (e.g., to diagnose whether the userhas experienced a concussion). In other arrangements, the ocular deviceis an ocular diagnosis or treatment tool for determining or adjustingvision of the user. As an example, the ocular device is a device forcorrecting imperfect vision of a user (e.g., laser eye surgery). Asanother example, in some arrangements, the ocular device is an oculardiagnostic tool for determining a vision prescription of a user,presence of one or more eye conditions (e.g., glaucoma, cataracts,ocular hypertension, uveitis, or the like), and so on. In somearrangements, the ocular device is designed to cover and interact withboth eyes simultaneously or in sequence. In other arrangements, theocular device is designed to cover and interact with a single eye (e.g.,while the other eye remains uncovered). The ocular device can beprovided with any of the headset apparatuses described herein.

In some arrangements, the device 102 includes a display 104 (e.g., anelectronic display). In some arrangements, the display 104 is configuredto provide instructions for operation of the device 102, requests inputsinto the device 102, displays results of operation of the device 102,and so on. In some arrangements, the display 104 is a touchscreenconfigured to accept inputs when a user interacts with the display 104.The device 102 further includes one or more inputs 106 (e.g., userinteractive elements). The inputs 106 include buttons that allow a userto control the device 102. In some arrangements, the inputs 106 triggerone or more operations of the device 102, such as, but not limited to,start operation, cancel operation, and the like. In some arrangements,the device 102 further includes a power input 110 (e.g., a button)configured to toggle the device 102 on and off. In some arrangements,the device 102 further includes a speaker 128 configured to emit audiofrom the device 102, such as, but not limited to, audible instructions,requests, alerts, notices, and the like. In some arrangements, thespeaker 128 is configured to receive audio commands from a user forcontrolling operation of the device 102 (e.g., initiate operation,cancel operation, power on/off, and so on).

In some arrangements, the device 102 further includes a registrationwindow 112 and registration markers 114. The housing of the device 102structurally supports the registration window 112 in some examples. Insome arrangements, the registration window 112 is or includes atransparent narrow slot that penetrates through the device 102 or thehousing for the device 102, for allowing an operator to see through thedevice 102 or the housing. In some arrangements, the registration window112 is an empty space in the housing of the device 102. In otherarrangements, the registration window 112 includes a transparentmaterial within the empty space, such as, but not limited to, plastic(e.g., Plexiglas), glass, and the like. In particular arrangements, theregistration window 112 includes an indicator (e.g., a line spanning thelength of the registration window 112) for allowing an operator tocorrectly align the registration window with appropriate facial featuresof the subject. The registration markers 114 are structurally (e.g.,slidably) supported by the housing of the device 102 and theregistration window 112. In some arrangements, the registration markers114 are configured to slide along the registration window 112 by anoperator and be positioned at certain locations along the registrationwindow 112. In some arrangements, the space between the registrationmarkers 114 dictates, corresponds to, or otherwise indicates thescanning space of the device 102. The scanning space is defined as theboundaries of a workspace of the probe 136, e.g., where the probe 136can travel during operation of the device 102 during its operation.Further details regarding this mechanical registration of the device 102using the registration window 112 and the registration markers 114 aredisclosed below.

In some arrangements, the device 102 further includes one or more tabs126. The tabs 126 are configured to allow movement of the device 102(e.g., the movement of the housing of the device 102) when one of thetabs 126 is pressed. For example, upon actuation of a first one of thetabs 126, the device 102 is free to slide forward and backward along atrack 118 of the portable headset 100. As another example, uponactuation of a second one of the tabs 126, the device 102 and thehousing of the device 102 are free to rotate upward and downward about atilt hinge 138 of the portable headset 100. In some arrangements, thedevice 102 is free to be moved as long as one of the tabs 126 isdepressed such that the device 102 is locked into place after thedepressed tab 126 is released. In other arrangements, the device 102 isfree to be moved after a first press or actuation of one of the tabs 126and is locked in place after a second press or actuation of the same tab126.

In some arrangements, the device 102 has a guard 130 attached thereto.The guard 130 is proximate and surrounds an area of the device 102 thatincludes the probe 136. Accordingly, the guard 130 is configured toprotect the device 102 (e.g., the probe 136) from damage while theportable headset 100 is in the folded state by blocking the rest of theportable headset 100 from contacting the inner surface of the device 102(e.g., the probe 136). For example, when the portable headset 100 is inthe folded state, the guard 130 allows for a space or void between thetwo segments of the portable headset 100 that are folded against eachother. In some arrangements, the guard 130 is made from any suitablematerial for protecting the device 102 from other components of theportable headset 100, such as, but not limited to, plastic, rubber,metal, foam, and the like. In some arrangements, the guard 130 includesa protective sleeve along a length of the guard 130, and the protectivesleeve can be made from any suitable soft material (e.g., for providinga cushioning), such as, but not limited to, closed cell foam, open cellfoam, self-skinning open or closed cell foams, cast, aerated, orextruded silicone or urethane, polyurethane gels that are configured todistribute pressure efficiently, or the like.

In some arrangements, the portable headset 100 includes one or morecushions 124 configured to receive a subject's head. In somearrangements, the cushions 124 are made from any suitable soft material,such as, but not limited to, closed cell foam, open cell foam,self-skinning open or closed cell foams, cast, aerated, or extrudedsilicone or urethane, polyurethane gels that are configured todistribute pressure efficiently, or the like. In some arrangements, thecushions 124 have any suitable firmness for supporting a head, such as,but not limited to, in a range of about 0.1 pound per square inch (psi)to about 60 psi (e.g., in a range of about 0.1 psi to about 10 psi) orwithin other suitable ranges of firmness. In some arrangements, thecushions 124 have memory for expanding to fit contours of a head. Insome arrangements, the cushions 124 compress and expand after a user'shead is placed in the portable headset 100. In some arrangements, thecushions 124 are manufactured by any suitable process for affixing thecushions 124 within the portable headset 100, such as, but not limitedto, injection molding, laminating, adhesive mounting (e.g., gluing orbonding), co-molding, co-casting, injection, snapping, by Velcrofastening, by hook and loop fastening, friction fitting, attaching withbarbs, using screw bosses, or the like.

In other arrangements, the cushions 124 include an inflatable bladder.In some arrangements, the bladder is a hollow void that is filledmanually or with a pump. In such arrangements, the inflatable bladder isself-inflating with an internal structure that has a memory and thatexpands within the bladder to inflate to at least 90% capacity. Infurther arrangements, inflation is assisted with an integrated pump oran external filling or pumping source. In some arrangements, theinflatable bladder is filled with air, gas, liquid, or any othersuitable element for receiving a user's head. In other arrangements, thebladder is filled with plastic beads or pellets. In particulararrangements, the bladder that is filled with plastic beads or pelletsbecomes rigid, so as to capture a patient's head, when a vacuum isapplied to the bladder.

In some arrangements, the cushions 124 are shaped as wedges that aretapered towards each other such that a head of a subject is funneled orcaptured between the cushions 124, to maintain a position of the head ofthe subject. Accordingly, a subject's head is directed towards andmaintained in the middle of the portable headset 100 at a centrallocation between the cushions 124 such that the head is held physicallystable for scanning operations to be performed by the device 102. Insome arrangements, the cushions 124 provide a dual purpose, in additionto receiving and holding a subject's head when the portable headset 100is in the deployed state, the cushions 124 also provide extra cushioningand protection for the device 102 (e.g., the inner surface of the device102 including the probe 136) when the portable headset 100 is in afolded or stored state. For example, the cushions 124 contact and pressagainst the inner surface of the device 102 (e.g., an inner surface ofthe housing supporting the device 102) when the portable headset 100 isin the folded state. In some arrangements, the cushions 124 are shapednarrowly enough so as to fit within a width of the guard 130 when theportable headset 100 is in the folded state. In further arrangements,the cushions 124 are shaped so that the central portion of the cushions124 (e.g., the portion that has the narrowest thickness or where the twoseparate cushions 124 face each other) overlaps the bottom segment ofthe guard 130 so that the guard 130 does not contact the cushions 124and so that the portable headset 100 can fold compactly.

In some arrangements, the portable headset 100 is converted from thefolded state to the deployed state, and vice versa, by folding andunfolding a body of the portable headset 100 about a pivot hinge 116.The body of the portable headset 100 includes a first portion having thetrack 118. The first portion is operatively coupled to the device 102and the housing thereof, and structurally supports the device 102 andthe housing in an upright position (e.g., 90° with respect to the firstportion). The headset 100 is configured to be in a folded state when thefirst portion and the second portion are folded toward each other. Theheadset 100 is configured to be in a deployed state when the firstportion and the second portion are unfolded away from each other. Thebody of the portable headset 100 includes a second portion supportingthe one or more cushions 124 and the head restraint 120. Thus, thesecond portion is configured to at least support the head of the subjectwhen the portable headset 100 is in the deployed state. The secondportion structurally supports the head restraint 120 in an uprightposition (e.g., 90° with respect to the second portion) when theportable headset 100 is in the deployed state, in the manner described.The second portion having grooves 122. A handle 108 extends from thesecond portion and is coplanar with the second portion. The firstportion and the second portion are pivotally connected via the pivothinge 116. The first portion and the second portion are coplanar whenthe portable headset 100 is in the deployed state, such that the firstportion and the second portion can be placed on any surface that is flator substantially flat. The first portion and the second portion are at90° with respect to each other when the portable headset 100 is in thefolded state, to conserve space. While in the folded state, the portableheadset 100 includes the handle 108 for easily grabbing and carrying ofthe portable headset 100 (e.g., the handle 108 is beneficial inemergency situations that call for quick access to the portable headset100). In addition, the portable headset 100 in the folded state includesthe head restraint 120. In some arrangements, the head restraint 120 isattached to an outside surface of the portable headset 100 for storage,and the head restraint 120 is attached to the portable headset 100 byany suitable attachment mechanism, such as, but not limited to,snap-fitting, adhesive, and the like. While in the folded state, anopening of the head restraint 120 aligns with an opening of the handle108 to provide an area through which a user can grab and hold on to theportable headset 100 via the handle 108.

In some arrangements, the head restraint 120 is detachable from theouter surface of the body the portable headset 100 and attachable to aninner surface of the body of the portable headset 100 when in thedeployed state. For example, to install the head restraint 120 to thebody when the portable headset 100 is in the deployed state, a bottom ofthe head restraint 120 (e.g., protrusions extending from the bottom ofthe head restraint 120) can fit into a plurality of grooves 122 locatedat opposite sides of the inner surface of the portable headset 100.Furthermore, a location of the head restraint 120 with respect to thecushions 124, as well as the distance between the head restraint 120 andthe device 102, are adjustable by sliding the head restraint 120 along alength of the grooves 122. Accordingly, various head sizes and shapescan be accommodated and stabilized by adjusting the position of the headrestraint 120 by sliding the head restraint 120 against a subject's headwhen the head is placed on top of the cushions 124.

In some arrangements, the head restraint 120 includes padding 132 forproviding a soft and comfortable surface for contacting a subject'shead. In some arrangements, the padding 132 is made from any suitablesoft material, such as, but not limited to, closed cell foam, open cellfoam, self-skinning open or closed cell foams, cast, aerated, orextruded silicone or urethane, polyurethane gels that are configured todistribute pressure efficiently, or the like. In some arrangements, thehead restraint 120 includes one or more strap loops 134 for anchoring astrap for providing further restraint of a subject's head within theportable headset 100. In further arrangements, one or more additionalstrap loops 134, corresponding to the strap loops 134 located at thehead restraint 120, are located at the inner surface of the device 102.Accordingly, one or more straps can be tied between the strap loops 134to stabilize and restrain a subject's head, as shown and describedbelow.

In other arrangements, the head restraint 120 is attached to and laysflat against an inner surface of the portable headset 100 such that thehead restraint 120 is enclosed within the portable headset 100 when inthe folded state. In particular arrangements, the head restraint 120unfolds upward when the portable headset 100 is in the unfolded state toposition the head restraint 120 upright so that the padding 132 cancontact a subject's head. In such arrangements, the head restraint 120is configured to fold downward when the portable headset 100 is to beswitched into the folded state.

In some arrangements, the body of the portable headset 100 is made fromany suitable durable material, such as, but not limited to, hardplastic, metals, aluminum, steel, titanium, magnesium, various alloys,rigid plastics, composites, carbon fiber, fiber glass, expanded foam,compression molded foam, stereolithography (SLA) or Fused DepositionModeling (FDM)-made materials, Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) molding,acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), thermoplastic olefin (TPO),nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fiber reinforced resins, a compositethereof, an alloy thereof (e.g., a cast alloy), or the like.

In some arrangements, the portable headset 100 is configured to scaneither side of a subject's head. For example, the subject's head can beintroduced into the portable headset 100 from either side of theportable headset 100 such that the device 102 is capable of operation ateither side of the subject's head, depending on from which direction thehead is placed into the device 102. In other words, in somearrangements, the portable headset 100 is designed so that it can berotated 180-degrees to enable measurements on both sides. In somearrangements, the portable headset 100 is designed such that a secondautomated device 102 can be attached at an opposite end of the portableheadset 100 for faster bilateral scans. Accordingly, in somearrangements, the portable headset 100 is configured for bilateralapplication with respect to a subject's head. As such, if only oneparticular side of a subject's head is suitable for scanning by thedevice 102 (e.g., in a situation where the opposite side of thesubject's head is injured), then the portable headset 100 is configuredto accommodate such a subject's head. In further arrangements, bothsides of a subject's head can be scanned for more thorough results.

In some arrangements, the portable headset 100 includes a portable powersupply for supplying power to the device 102. For example, in somearrangements, the power supply includes a rechargeable battery (e.g., a54.5-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery). In some arrangements, the powersupply holds enough charge to power the device 102 for a substantialamount of time (e.g., about 100 or more hours of monitoring or about 5or more hours of continuous scanning), and is lightweight enough toallow the portable headset 100 to be carried easily by an operator(e.g., the portable headset 100 can weigh less than about 5 pounds).

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D illustrate various views of theportable headset 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1G with a human head 200positioned therein according to various arrangements.

In some arrangements, the subject's head 200 is positioned such that aback of the head 200 rests on the cushions 124 so that the head 200 isfacing upwards. The device 102 and the housing thereof is located at afirst side of the head 200 and the head restraint 120 is located at asecond side of the head 200 opposite to the first side of the head 200when the portable headset 100 is in the deployed state. The headrestraint 120 and the device 102 face each other when the portableheadset 100 is in the deployed state. In some arrangements, one or morestraps 202 are positioned across a forehead of the head 200 to providefurther stabilization and restraint of the head 200. In somearrangements, the straps 202 contact and are held tight against theforehead so as to impart a downward force against the head 200 towardsthe cushions 124. In further arrangements, both ends of each of thestraps 202 are anchored or tied at the respective strap loops 134located at the head restraint 120 and the device 102. In somearrangements, the one or more straps 202 are made from any suitablematerial for restraining the head 200 while also being comfortable forthe subject, such as, but not limited to, nylon, cloth, and the like. Insome arrangements, the portable headset 100 is capable of operating onsubjects that are wearing a cervical collar (or cervical brace) 204(e.g., as shown in FIG. 2D).

FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, FIG. 3D, FIG. 3E, and FIG. 3F illustratestages of operation of the portable headset 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1Gaccording to various arrangements.

Referring to FIG. 3A, in some arrangements, the portable headset 100 isin the folded or stored state. The head restraint 120 is first detachedfrom the outer surface of the portable headset 100. For example, thehead restraint 120 can be simply pulled off of the portable headset 100.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the portable headset 100 is unfolded by pullingthe portion of the portable headset 100 (e.g., the second portion of thebody) including the cushions 124 downward such that the second portionincluding the cushions 124 rotates downward about the pivot hinge 116.Accordingly, the second portion of the portable headset 100 includingthe cushions 124 rests atop the ground or floor. Then, the headrestraint 120 is attached to the portion of the portable headset 100including the cushions 124 at a location adjacent to the cushions 124.In some arrangements, the head restraint 120 is attached to the portionof the portable headset 100 including the cushions 124 by being slottedinto the grooves 122 such that the head restraint 120 is capable oflateral movement along the grooves 122.

Referring to FIG. 3C, the portable headset 100 is shifted and positionedunderneath the subject's head 200 such that the back of the subject'shead 200 rests atop the cushions 124. Accordingly, the subject's head200 is positioned between the head restraint 120 and the device 102. Insome arrangements, the head restraint 120 is shifted towards thesubject's head such that the padding 132 contacts the head 200 forrestraining the head 200. In some arrangements, the head 200 contactsthe guard 130 of the device 102. As such, in some arrangements, thesubject's head 200 is restrained at both sides via the padding 132 ofthe head restraint 120 and via the guard 130 of the device 102.

Referring to FIG. 3D, in particular arrangements, the straps 202 arefastened across the forehead of the subject's head 200, as describedabove. In some arrangements, the mechanical registration of the device102 is performed once the head 200 is properly positioned and restrainedwithin the portable headset 100. The mechanical registration includespressing a first one of the tabs 126 to permit rotation of the device102 about the tilt hinge 138. In some arrangements, an operator of theportable headset 100 tilts the device 102 at an appropriate position bymonitoring the indicator (e.g., the line) that is within theregistration window 112. For example, the operator tilts the device 102such that the line within the registration window 112 is aligned alongan imaginary line that connects the eye and the tragus of the subject'shead 200. Such an orientation of the device 102 permits the device 102to operate in the correct workspace along the subject's head 200. Inother arrangements, the registration window 112 is appropriately alignedwhen positioned along other suitable facial features of the subject(e.g., along the temple and eye, along the cheekbone and tragus, and soon), as desired for permitting the effective operation of the device102.

In some arrangements, once the registration window 112 is aligned alongthe appropriate facial features (e.g., along an imaginary lineconnecting the eye and the tragus of the subject's head 200), theregistration markers 114 are moved along the registration window 112such that each of the registration markers 114 overlaps an appropriatefacial feature. For example, a first one of the registration markers 114is moved to overlap an eye of the head 200 (e.g., an edge or corner ofthe eye) and a second one of the registration markers 114 is moved tooverlap a tragus of the head 200. In other arrangements, theregistration markers 114 are moved to overlap other suitable facialfeatures of a subject (e.g., the temple and eye, the cheekbone andtragus, and so on), as desired for the effective operation of the device102. In some arrangements, by positioning the registration markers 114at particular features of the head 200, the boundaries of the workspace(e.g., scanning space) of the device 102 during its operation aredefined. In other words, in some arrangements, the positioning of theregistration markers 114 defines the boundaries of where the probe 136can travel during operation of the device 102.

In some arrangements, the device 102 includes a linear encoder forconverting the mechanical registration (e.g., a space between theregistration markers 114, a space of the registration window 112, andthe like), governed by the registration window 112 and the registrationmarkers 114, into electrical signals for sending to the robotics of thedevice 102. In some arrangements, the electrical signals includedirections regarding the boundaries of the workspace (e.g., asphysically set by an operator of the portable headset 100 using theregistration window 112 and the registration markers 114) to instructthe robotics of the device 102 on where the probe 136 should travelalong the subject's head during operation.

Referring to FIG. 3E, in some arrangements, after setting theappropriate orientation of the device 102, an operator presses thesecond one of the tabs 126 to permit lateral movement of the device 102along the track 118. For example, because facial features of thesubject's head 200 are used for registration of the device 102, thedevice 102 is shifted forward (e.g., towards the subject's chin) sincethe probe 136 is not completely within the appropriate workspace, as theportion of the device 102 including the registration window 112 andregistration markers 114 occupies a portion of the workspace to beutilized by the device 102. As such, by shifting the device 102 forward,the probe 136 is then properly positioned to scan within the appropriateworkspace. In some arrangements, after depressing the second one of thetabs 126, the device 102 is configured to shift forward a predetermineddistance from its current position, for example, a distance in a rangeof about 0.5 inch to about 2.5 inches (e.g., about 1.25 inches). Inother arrangements, the device 102 is configured to shift forward untilreaching a predetermined marker location along the track 118 (e.g., thelateral movement of the device 102 is predefined with built-inmechanical stops). In some arrangements, the lateral movement of thedevice 102 is defined by a third registration marker that identifies alocation of a feature of a subject (e.g., nose, forehead, temple, and soon).

Referring to FIG. 3F, in some arrangements, inputs of the device 102 areactuated to provide instructions to the device 102. For example, anoperator can turn on the device 102 using the power input 110.Furthermore, as an example, instructions to the device 102 (e.g., beginoperation, cancel operation, display results, and so on) can be providedvia interaction with the inputs 106, the display 104, the speaker 128,and the like.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate a closed view and an open view,respectively, of a portable headset 400 according to variousarrangements.

In some arrangements, the portable headset 400 is designed so as to becompletely enclosed when in the folded or stored state. Accordingly, thecomponents of the portable headset 400 are afforded increased protectionfrom outside forces. In some arrangements, the portable headset 400includes a device 402, a cushion 424, a head restraint 420, and adisplay 404. In particular arrangements, the device 402 is similar tothe device 102 described above, the cushion 424 is similar to thecushion 124 described above, the head restraint 420 is similar to thehead restraint 120 described above, and the display 404 is similar tothe display 104 described above. Accordingly, the disclosure of thesimilar components described above is applicable to the device 402, thecushion 424, the head restraint 420, and the display 404, respectively.In some arrangements, one or more (or all) of the features describedabove with respect to the portable headset 100 can be implemented in theportable headset 400.

In some arrangements, the headsets described herein are used inconjunction with a bed (e.g., a gurney) such that the subject can laydown into the headsets so that the subject's head is horizontal (e.g.,the subject is in a supine position). Accordingly, in some arrangements,the patient's head is not burdened with the weight of the headset, asthe weight of the device mounted to the headset and the other componentsof the headset are supported by the platform on which the headset isplaced (e.g., the ground). In some arrangements, a back side of theheadset that contacts and lays on top of the ground is layered with asoft or pliable material (e.g., foam, an inflatable bladder, and thelike) such that the soft layer conforms to the shape of the ground. Forexample, in some arrangements, the headset including the soft or pliableback surface that is conformable to the ground can be placed atop uneven(e.g., rocky) surfaces such that the device of the headset stillperforms effectively since the headset will not shift or sway due to theuneven ground.

In other arrangements, the headsets described herein are positioned suchthat a subject is in a seated position, and the subject's head isvertical. In particular arrangements, the headset is mounted on avertical platform such that the subject's head bears little or no weightof the headset. For example, the vertical headset can be mounted on awall, a chair, and the like.

The above used terms, including “held fast,” “mount,” “attached,”“coupled,” “affixed,” “connected,” “secured,” and the like are usedinterchangeably. In addition, while certain arrangements have beendescribed to include a first element as being “coupled” (or “attached,”“connected,” “fastened,” etc.) to a second element, the first elementmay be directly coupled to the second element or may be indirectlycoupled to the second element via a third element.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the various aspects described herein. Variousmodifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied toother aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to theaspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistentwith the language, wherein reference to an element in the singular isnot intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated,but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term“some” refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalentsto the elements of the various aspects described throughout the previousdescription that are known or later come to be known to those ofordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by referenceand are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothingdisclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless ofwhether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claimelement is to be construed as a means plus function unless the elementis expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in theprocesses disclosed is an example of illustrative approaches. Based upondesign preferences, it is understood that the specific order orhierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged while remainingwithin the scope of the previous description. The accompanying methodclaims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and arenot meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

The various examples illustrated and described are provided merely asexamples to illustrate various features of the claims. However, featuresshown and described with respect to any given example are notnecessarily limited to the associated example and may be used orcombined with other examples that are shown and described. Further, theclaims are not intended to be limited by any one example.

The foregoing method descriptions and the process flow diagrams areprovided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to requireor imply that the steps of various examples must be performed in theorder presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art theorder of steps in the foregoing examples may be performed in any order.Words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended tolimit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guide thereader through the description of the methods. Further, any reference toclaim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,”“an” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to thesingular.

The previous description of the disclosed implementations is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosedsubject matter. Various modifications to these implementations will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principlesdefined herein may be applied to other implementations without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the previous description. All structural andfunctional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects describedthroughout the previous description that are known or later come to beknown to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporatedherein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims.Thus, the previous description is not intended to be limited to theimplementations shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A headset comprising: a device comprising atransducer configured to interact with a head of a subject; and amanually-operated registration system configured to delineate aworkspace of the transducer at the head of the subject.
 2. The headsetof claim 1, further comprising a housing encasing at least a portion ofthe device, wherein the registration system is located at the housing ofthe device.
 3. The headset of claim 2, wherein the registration systemcomprises a registration window configured to be aligned with one ormore anatomical features of the head of the subject.
 4. The headset ofclaim 3, wherein the registration window comprises a transparent narrowslot penetrating through the housing such that the head of the subjectis visible through the registration window.
 5. The headset of claim 3,wherein the registration window comprises one or more indicatorsconfigured to be aligned with the one or more anatomical features of thehead of the subject.
 6. The headset of claim 5, wherein the one or moreindicators comprise a line spanning a length of the registration window.7. The headset of claim 3, wherein the registration system furthercomprises one or more registration markers at the registration window,the one or more registration markers configured to be slidablypositioned along the registration window to be aligned withcorresponding one or more anatomical landmarks of the head of thesubject.
 8. The headset of claim 7, wherein positions of the one or moreregistration markers in the registration window delineate one or morecorresponding boundaries of the workspace of the transducer at the headof the subject.
 9. The headset of claim 7, wherein the one or moreregistration markers comprise a first registration marker at a firstposition along the registration window and a second registration markerat a second position along the registration window such that the firstand second positions delineate the workspace of the transducer at thehead of the subject.
 10. The headset of claim 9, wherein the firstposition is aligned with an eye of the subject and the second positionis aligned with an ear of the subject.
 11. The headset of claim 7,wherein the device comprises a linear encoder configured to convertpositions of the registration window and the one or more registrationmarkers into electrical signals to delineate the workspace of thetransducer at the head of the subject.
 12. The headset of claim 3,further comprising a track, wherein the housing is coupled to the trackand configured to slide along the track with respect to the head of thesubject.
 13. The headset of claim 12, wherein the track is locatedadjacent the head of the subject so that the housing is configured toslide along a side of the head of the subject.
 14. The headset of claim13, wherein the housing is configured to slide along the track after theregistration window is aligned with the one or more anatomical featuresof the head of the subject to position the transducer in the workspaceat the head of the subject.
 15. The headset of claim 12, wherein thehousing is configured to slide along the track for a predetermineddistance.
 16. The headset of claim 15, wherein the predetermineddistance is in a range from about 0.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. 17.The headset of claim 12, further comprising a tab, wherein responsive toactuation of the tab, the housing is configured to slide along thetrack.
 18. The headset of claim 3, further comprising a tilt hinge,wherein the housing is configured to rotate about the tilt hinge withrespect to the head of the subject.
 19. The headset of claim 18, whereinthe tilt hinge is located adjacent the head of the subject so that thehousing is configured to rotate along a side of the head of the subject.20. The headset of claim 18, further comprising a tab, whereinresponsive to actuation of the tab, the housing is configured to rotateabout the tilt hinge.
 21. The headset of claim 1, further comprising abody configured to receive the head of the subject.
 22. The headset ofclaim 21, wherein the device and the registration system are attached tothe body.
 23. The headset of claim 22, wherein the device is located atan edge of the body and positioned to be adjacent a side of the receivedhead of the subject.
 24. The headset of claim 1, wherein the device isconnected to the registration system.
 25. The headset of claim 1,wherein the transducer is configured to collect data from the head ofthe subject.
 26. The headset of claim 25, wherein the data comprisesblood flow characteristics of the subject.
 27. The headset of claim 1,wherein the transducer is configured to transmit and receive ultrasoundenergy waves with respect to the head of the subject.
 28. The headset ofclaim 1, wherein the device further comprises robotics configured tomove the transducer with respect to the head of the subject.
 29. Theheadset of claim 28, wherein the registration system controls therobotics to restrain the transducer to within the workspace at the headof the subject.
 30. A method of providing a headset, comprising:providing a device comprising a transducer configured to interact with ahead of a subject; and providing a manually-operated registration systemconfigured to delineate a workspace of the transducer at the head of thesubject.